This week has started with a bang when it comes to 48Group related news: NMB48’s leader and Team N captain Sayaka Yamamoto announced her graduation on Monday, and on Tuesday the former AKB48 center and ace Atsuko Maeda announced marriage to actor Ryo Katsuji.

Reportedly Katsuji (31) and Maeda (27) registered their marriage on July 30th before making it public on the following day through their respective agencies. In the jointly signed press release the couple hopes to “build a bright home where smiling never stops”, and to continue working hard while supporting each other. The statement ends with a request: “The couple will be happy if [fans] give them their warm support from here on too”.

Graduations are very, very lonely, honestly. Lonely. But, given that Sayaka-chan always led and carried NMB48 and 48Group on her back, now that when she only has herself to think about, it’s like I’m a little relieved. I feel like that as well. Sayanee, thanks for everything!!

Everyone faces graduation. At the time of announcing it, well, until that point in life, there’s no such strange mood. I wonder if she was nervous. Since she’s a hard-working person, I think the time after her graduation will turn up wonderful too. I’m looking forward to it.

-Minami Takahashi

Edited Aug 2: Changed the month of the marriage date from August to July.